Monday, December 8, 2008

Weight Loss, Hazardous Methods You Must Avoid

By Ricardo d Argence

The world we live in idealizes the ultra-thin physique. The trouble is, over 80% of the population doesn't fit the perfect body shape. The effect this can have on people is a feeling of imperfection, and they may take extreme measures to try and fix the situation.

Today some would do just about anything to be thin, resulting in the fact that many if not most are killing themselves in pursuit of that perfect thin body. Too often, these practices may lead to developing what is known as an eating disorder.

To rid their bodies of unwantedcalories in the pursuit of the perfect bodies some people abuse laxatives. The trouble is that the body will have absorbed the calories already, so the weight reduction you get is just from emptying your bowels and fluid loss, which will come back within days. When the fluids come back, the individual will experience the need to continue using laxatives.

Over use of laxatives is a dangerous habit that can leave the user unable to relieve themselves without them. Eventually abuse of laxatives can lead to permanent bowel damage and even death.

Another method that is sometimes used is throwing up; where a person forces themselves to vomit manually by sticking their fingers down their throat. People with this eating disorder often use Syrup of Ipecac, but they aren't aware that the proper use of this chemical is to treat poisoning. The result of its use is the instant regurgitation of the stomach's contents.

This practice puts a body under enormous stress, and contributes to irritation of the esophagus and erosion of tooth enamel. The chemicals can cause complications as well. Ipecac syrup has been linked to potentially fatal complications such as erratic breathing, an irregular heartbeat, and heart attaches.

People wishing to reduce weight quickly often resort to diet pills and diuretics. Diet pills may be manufactured to promote faster metabolism, quench appetite, or both, while the main purpose of diuretics is to get rid of bodily fluids. Despite the fact that several of these have the approval of the Food And Drug Adminstration (FDA), that does not make them a completely safe weight loss alternative.

Prescription diet pills as well as some over the counter medications have been linked to serious health problems, including pulmonary hypertension, dry mouth, and chest pains.

Never forget that you can lose weight, keep it off, and enjoy a vibrant and healthy life following safe weight loss methods. - 16004

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